Saudi Arabia has warned residents across much of the kingdom to prepare for thunderstorms, hail, dust storms and rough seas, with unstable weather expected to affect daily movement, visibility and marine activity through Friday.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence has urged people to remain in safe locations, avoid valleys and flood-prone areas, stay away from waterlogged roads and refrain from swimming in runoff channels or low-lying areas. The warning covers a wide sweep of territory, including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Al Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran and parts of the Eastern Province.
Forecasts point to moderate to heavy rainfall in several high-risk zones, with flash floods possible where storms pass over wadis and mountainous terrain. Hail and strong downdraft winds could accompany the heaviest cells, raising the danger of damage to vehicles, temporary structures and exposed outdoor sites. Dust-laden winds are also expected to reduce horizontal visibility on highways, particularly in open desert stretches and around areas where dry soil can be lifted quickly by gusts.
Makkah region is among the areas facing some of the sharper weather impacts. Turbah, Al Muwayh, Al Khurmah, Ranyah, Taif, Maysan and Adham are expected to see rainfall that could trigger sudden flows in valleys and low ground. The region’s mix of mountainous routes, pilgrimage traffic and fast-changing weather patterns makes adherence to safety guidance especially important, particularly for drivers moving between towns and elevated areas.
Riyadh region is also expected to face rainfall of varying intensity, with the risk extending to Wadi Al Dawasir, Al Sulayyil, Al Aflaj, Afif, Al Dawadmi, Al Quwayiyah and nearby governorates. The capital and its surrounding areas may experience dust-raising winds and short bursts of rain, creating difficult conditions for motorists during peak travel hours. Drivers have been advised to slow down, maintain safe distances and avoid crossing flooded roads, even where water levels appear shallow.
The wider storm system is expected to bring active winds that may reach or exceed 60 kilometres an hour in some locations. Such gusts can generate sand and dust storms, disrupt visibility, strain power and communications infrastructure, and complicate outdoor work. Construction sites, logistics operators, delivery services and schools in affected governorates are likely to monitor local alerts closely as conditions change.
Coastal areas face their own set of risks as strong winds contribute to rough seas. Authorities have advised caution for marine activity, including fishing, small-boat movement and recreational trips. Conditions along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf can shift quickly when convective storms interact with coastal winds, making official warnings critical for those working at ports, on vessels or near waterfront facilities.
Saudi Arabia’s weather alert system has become more prominent as extreme rainfall events across the Arabian Peninsula have exposed vulnerabilities in drainage, road safety and emergency response. Heavy storms can overwhelm dry channels within minutes, particularly in areas where hard ground limits absorption. Seasonal rains are not unusual, but their intensity and localised impact have prompted repeated warnings for residents not to underestimate fast-moving water.
Civil Defence guidance has focused on preventive behaviour rather than emergency response alone. Residents have been asked to follow official updates through media and social platforms, avoid gathering near flood channels to take photos, keep children away from runoff areas, and contact emergency services when life or property is at risk. The authority has repeatedly stressed that crossing valleys during rainfall is among the most dangerous actions during such weather episodes.
The National Centre for Meteorology has been tracking the unstable air mass as it moves across the kingdom, with conditions expected to vary from one region to another. Some areas may see brief showers and dusty winds, while others could face heavy rain, hail and flooding within short periods. The uneven nature of convective storms means neighbourhood-level conditions may differ sharply, even within the same city or governorate.
The General Directorate of Civil Defence has urged people to remain in safe locations, avoid valleys and flood-prone areas, stay away from waterlogged roads and refrain from swimming in runoff channels or low-lying areas. The warning covers a wide sweep of territory, including Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, Qassim, Hail, Tabuk, Al Jouf, the Northern Borders, Al Baha, Asir, Jazan, Najran and parts of the Eastern Province.
Forecasts point to moderate to heavy rainfall in several high-risk zones, with flash floods possible where storms pass over wadis and mountainous terrain. Hail and strong downdraft winds could accompany the heaviest cells, raising the danger of damage to vehicles, temporary structures and exposed outdoor sites. Dust-laden winds are also expected to reduce horizontal visibility on highways, particularly in open desert stretches and around areas where dry soil can be lifted quickly by gusts.
Makkah region is among the areas facing some of the sharper weather impacts. Turbah, Al Muwayh, Al Khurmah, Ranyah, Taif, Maysan and Adham are expected to see rainfall that could trigger sudden flows in valleys and low ground. The region’s mix of mountainous routes, pilgrimage traffic and fast-changing weather patterns makes adherence to safety guidance especially important, particularly for drivers moving between towns and elevated areas.
Riyadh region is also expected to face rainfall of varying intensity, with the risk extending to Wadi Al Dawasir, Al Sulayyil, Al Aflaj, Afif, Al Dawadmi, Al Quwayiyah and nearby governorates. The capital and its surrounding areas may experience dust-raising winds and short bursts of rain, creating difficult conditions for motorists during peak travel hours. Drivers have been advised to slow down, maintain safe distances and avoid crossing flooded roads, even where water levels appear shallow.
The wider storm system is expected to bring active winds that may reach or exceed 60 kilometres an hour in some locations. Such gusts can generate sand and dust storms, disrupt visibility, strain power and communications infrastructure, and complicate outdoor work. Construction sites, logistics operators, delivery services and schools in affected governorates are likely to monitor local alerts closely as conditions change.
Coastal areas face their own set of risks as strong winds contribute to rough seas. Authorities have advised caution for marine activity, including fishing, small-boat movement and recreational trips. Conditions along the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf can shift quickly when convective storms interact with coastal winds, making official warnings critical for those working at ports, on vessels or near waterfront facilities.
Saudi Arabia’s weather alert system has become more prominent as extreme rainfall events across the Arabian Peninsula have exposed vulnerabilities in drainage, road safety and emergency response. Heavy storms can overwhelm dry channels within minutes, particularly in areas where hard ground limits absorption. Seasonal rains are not unusual, but their intensity and localised impact have prompted repeated warnings for residents not to underestimate fast-moving water.
Civil Defence guidance has focused on preventive behaviour rather than emergency response alone. Residents have been asked to follow official updates through media and social platforms, avoid gathering near flood channels to take photos, keep children away from runoff areas, and contact emergency services when life or property is at risk. The authority has repeatedly stressed that crossing valleys during rainfall is among the most dangerous actions during such weather episodes.
The National Centre for Meteorology has been tracking the unstable air mass as it moves across the kingdom, with conditions expected to vary from one region to another. Some areas may see brief showers and dusty winds, while others could face heavy rain, hail and flooding within short periods. The uneven nature of convective storms means neighbourhood-level conditions may differ sharply, even within the same city or governorate.
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Saudi Arabia